Do Metal Roofs Make Your House Hotter? Debunking Myths about Metal Roofing
The most popular type of roofing materials are shingles and tiles. But what about a metal roof?
Most people instantly think about how hot it must make a house or building (hint: it doesn’t!). So people shy away from choosing metal roofing for their homes.
But let's look at metal roofing and why it could be right for your home.
Will a metal roof make my house hot?
No, a metal roof won’t make your house hotter.
When metal is under direct light, it will heat up. But that’s only the surface temperature. What we want to focus on is whether it retains heat.
Most metal roof colors have an SRI #. That stands for “Solar Reflectivity Index.” The higher the number, the better the roof will do in reflecting the heat. Metal roofs typically have a high solar reflectance, meaning it reflects a large part of the sun’s rays.
This all helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your roof and transferred to your home. Which helps lower cooling costs and a more comfortable home.
Do metal roofs get hotter than shingles?
Metal roofs do get hotter than shingles on the surface.
But a metal roof will do a better job of reflecting the heat than a shingled roof.
Plus, metal roofs are a lighter material than shingles or tiles. So it will cool down faster than tiles or shingles (which have more mass). Because objects with more mass take more time to cool down.
How do you reduce heat on a metal roof?
There are several ways to reduce heat on a metal roof.
Adding insulation to the underside of the metal roof prevents heat from entering your home from the roof.
Installing ventilation vents or a ventilation system will help circulate cool air and reduce hot air buildup.
Painting a reflective coating on the roofing material will help reflect more sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof.
Choosing a light-colored metal roof to further reduce heat absorption since lighter colors reflect more sunlight than darker colors (this goes for shingles and tiles too!).
How long do metal roofs last?
A metal roof can last between 40-70 years depending on the type of metal material, quality of installation, and regular roof maintenance.
Is a metal roof a good choice for a South Florida home or building?
Yes, a metal roof is a good choice for a South Florida home for several reasons.
Durability: Metal roofs are durable and can withstand severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms.
Energy efficient: Metal roofs are reflective, helping reduce cooling costs during a hot Florida summer.
Longevity: Metal roofs are a long-lasting roofing option, giving you the peace of mind that your roof can withstand the harsh weather of South Florida.
Fire resistant: Metal roofs are resistant to fire, making them a better choice for areas prone to fires.
Low maintenance: Metal roofs don’t rot, warp, or crack like shingles or tile, and are resistant to mold & mildew growth.
Interested in a metal roof for your home?
We can help at M3 Roofing!
Our team of roofologists will answer your questions about your roof and whether a metal roof is the right fit for you.
Send M3 Roofing a message or call the office – (305) 265-5000 – to set up an appointment today!
We service homes throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.